At Avenor, education does not happen only inside the classroom; it is complemented by meaningful learning experiences beyond the campus, where students engage directly with diverse realities and contexts that broaden their understanding of the world. Such opportunities are an essential part of developing a well-rounded student profile—one capable of observing, understanding, and connecting with different perspectives.

A trip to Bhutan is one such cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on its participants. We invite you to read the article by Georgiana Socoly, Deputy Head of Secondary, about the educational visit to Bhutan—a place where tradition, spirituality, and respect for nature shape a truly unique educational model. Her story highlights how intercultural learning, authentic dialogue, and immersion in a different value system can contribute to students’ personal and academic growth.

 

If someone had told me at the beginning of 2025 that I would travel to Bhutan, this small and mysterious country in the heart of the Himalayas, alongside my students, to explore one of the most fascinating cultures in the world, I probably would have smiled skeptically.

It all began with an initiative by Diana Segărceanu, Executive Director and Co-founder of Avenor, who each year participates, along with leaders from other schools, in an international educational tour dedicated to discovering innovative schools around the world. Accompanied by a group of 30 leaders from different corners of the globe, Diana always returns with inspiring stories and valuable ideas for our community.

This year, however, her enthusiasm was contagious. I had never seen her so impressed as after visiting the Royal Academy in Bhutan, a unique school where education naturally intertwines with tradition, spirituality, and respect for nature.

 

Preparations: Between Dream and Reality

Although the preparation time was short, everything fell into place seamlessly. The visit involved students attending classes, teacher exchanges, and many logistical details—from obtaining visas to planning the route. And yet, somehow, everything unfolded naturally.

I remember a Bhutanese student who, when I asked him to teach me a few steps of a traditional dance, smiled and simply said: “Go with the flow!”

That’s exactly what we did—and it was probably the best advice for the entire journey.

Our group took shape beautifully: high school students from grades 10, 11, and 12, together with me and Raluca Iacobiță, an Avenor parent passionate about Asian culture and spirituality. Together, we became representatives of the Avenor community: students–teachers–parents, exploring and learning from one another.

Our adventure began during the October break. The journey to the “Land of Happiness” (as Bhutan is also called) started on October 20. The flight to Paro, Bhutan, was an experience in itself: the view from the plane just after sunrise took our breath away—temples perched on cliffs and dreamlike landscapes.

First Impressions

At the airport, we were greeted with a touching surprise: a group of students and a Romanian-born teacher, mathematics teacher Liliana Brăescu, welcomed us with a traditional ceremony. Each of us received a white scarf, a symbol of friendship. That was the moment I truly felt we had stepped into a world where respect, kindness, and balance are not just words but a way of life.

After the welcome ceremony, during which we enjoyed masala tea and a traditional dessert, we toured the Royal Academy campus, impressive in both size and its location over 2,500 meters above sea level. The academy operates as a boarding school: students only go home during vacations, and parent visits are allowed on Sundays for two hours.

Life at Royal Academy: Lessons in Discipline, Balance, and Community

Avenor students stayed in rooms alongside Bhutanese students, giving them the opportunity to experience authentic boarding life and follow the daily schedule of a Royal Academy student. I was deeply moved by the connections formed between the children and the way they adapted to the rhythm, values, and traditions of such a different culture. People in Bhutan radiate kindness and humility—traits you feel immediately when interacting with them.

The Royal Academy emphasizes the holistic development of students: spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and academic. This educational philosophy is evident in every activity, every interaction, and the way students are guided to become balanced and conscious individuals.

The school day begins with optional physical activities: fitness, football, yoga, or nature walks. After breakfast, the entire campus pauses for 20 minutes for Ngondro: a moment of meditation or personal reflection—a wonderful way to start the day with clarity and calm.

We also attended presentations about the Bhutan Baccalaureate and how students build their personal roadmaps with the guidance of mentors.

Throughout the week, we participated in their usual activities: meditation, sports, calligraphy, and design, while we organized sessions in Business, Media Studies, and Romanian Culture and Civilization. Bhutanese students were extremely curious to learn about Romanian traditions, the myth of Dracula, dances, and cuisine.

One evening, we shared a special moment: a spontaneous dance session. Romanian students taught the hora, while we learned a traditional Bhutanese dance. It was a pure exchange, full of energy, joy, and authenticity.

Trips with Purpose: Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma, and the Trek to Tiger’s Nest

The program also included excursions to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, visits to the National Assembly Hall, the Buddha temple, and the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery complex—a spectacular location at the end of a challenging but rewarding hike.

This experience at the Royal Academy was much more than a cultural exchange. It was a life lesson, an exercise in adaptation, an opportunity to understand the values of other peoples, and a return to our own roots. We learned that traditions and customs become a universal language when shared with sincerity.

We returned home spiritually richer, with new friendships, and with gratitude for this extraordinary opportunity.